Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

A 14 year old girl, who has references and experience with young babies, applied to my ad for a mother's helper.

For those who don't know - I work from home 2 days a week. The agreement with my employer was that I would hire a sitter while I'm home to care for the baby so I can concentrate on my job.

Obviously this girl is only around for the summer, which is fine it gives me more time to look for a permanent person.

I have not spoke to her mom or checked her references yet since I'm not sure how I feel about a 14 year old girl watching my 6 month old (although I will be home with them.) I was originally thinking I'd hire a college student, but now maybe this could work too?

What do you think?

Also, what questions should I ask a potential sitter? her references? and do you speak to their moms?

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would if it was someone I knew. I was a babysitter at 14.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would. I was a MH when I was in 8th grade, so I guess I was 12-13? The mom was home most of the time, but as she got more comfortable with me, she would leave me for a few hours to run errands, go food shopping, etc... This is also a good way for you to get a babysitter, even after school goes back. You will have known her all summer and will be able to call on her so you and DH can have some alone time. Plus, she'll probably be cheaper than a college kid.
I think if her references check out and you like her when you meet her, you should go for it.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I did last summer. I called her previous employee for a reference. My dd was 6mths last summer and I work from home too. I only hired her for a couple of hours in the afternoon and she didnt have to do anything other than play with my DD. She was a sweet girl but really wasnt much good at distracting my little one. I spent more time out in the living room than I did in the office - but it was partly my own fault as I couldnt bear to hear my little one crying.

I hired an 18year old this past winter to do the same job and she was slightly better but not much.

I dont know...I used to babysit at 12 and I would jump through hoops to keep the kids entertained. Its like the 14-18 year olds nowadays are too cool or something.

Sorry so long winded. I have to hire someone in the next couple of weeks so we will see how that goes.

I guess the long answer to your short Q. is it depends on the 14year old. If they are willing to play and distract your 6mth old while you are working then yes you will have no problems.

Good luck

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would ask what training she had (there is a babysitter course in my town).

I would definitely hire a 14 year old. My niece is 9 & is a mother's helper for a 15 months old for $5/hr. All she has to do is play with the baby, feed her, change her.

The biggest advantage is having her sit in the car with her as the mom runs errands. She has a cell phone & can call the mom if necessary. I would love to be able to run in & out of stores like that.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I was a babysitter at 14 and took care of newborns....I think it would be worth it to check her references and try her out...as long as you are home with them.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I did this at 14 and loved it. I would hire her in a second if the references checked out.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would , my Dh would say NO WAAAAY. He's paranoid though.
Check out her references. Ask them if they would hire her again, if they felt she was mature
And let her know exactly what is expected of her.( i.e- playing with the baby, taking baby for walks, giving bottles, changing diapers, no friends over, telephone Ok if baby is napping, etc) The more clear you are with her, the more she will know what is expected.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I totally would.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I was a babysitter at 14. So, yes, I would hire a MH that age. And you are in the house, which makes it better.

I was left with the kids all day while the mom went to work . Now that I look back, I'm like...how could she do that

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I was a mother's helper at 14. I used to go after school 3 days a week. In the beginning she would stay in the house and do chores- laundry, etc. until she felt comfortable with me around the kids and then she would go out on errands and stuff while I was there. When I started with them there were two kids, 1.5 yrs and 3 yrs. I stayed with them for 5 years and two more kids were added in, so I was caring for newborns.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

If I was home with her, yes. and depending on the person.

I have a 14yr old family member who's extremely mature. Many people ask if she's 17. She gets TONS of babysitting requests.
She's more mature than some moms out there

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

Yes, I would.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

Where did you run the ad? I was thining of hiring a MH for the summer just to get some things done around the house.

What are you paying per hour (FM me if you feel more comfortable)

Thanks!

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would assuming after meeting her she is a nice girl, comes from a nice family and seems mature, honest and responsible.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

My daughter has babysat since she's about 13yr. She has also taken care of her 3 other brothers the youngest is now 3yr. and my daughter is now 17yrs. If you can check her references and speak to her mom I say do it for the summer and see how it goes.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I think its fine..especially since you will be home. I started babysitting around that age

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I definitely would if she was mature and responsible (and took the babysitting course that Barbara mentioned). If she was anything like DH's 13 1/2 year old niece who still plays with Bratz dolls, no way in hell.

Message edited 6/8/2007 4:06:42 PM.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

I would. I started being a mother's helper at 12.

Re: Would you hire a 14 YO mother's helper?

If everything checked out and she was responsible and I was home with her, then I would without hesitation. I did it at that age too.